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Attachment is bondage, detach ment liberation
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I find that coercion is not necessary in religion. The levels of penance and the quantum of charity performed by an individual must be guided by his own will. And he will be blessed with such spiritual powers, as he is ready for. If you have the inner strength, you may be able to transform his mind and help him grow, but you can do this only by motivating him, not by coercion, Coercion is violence.
In recent times coercion has become a part of religion, thereby causing a loss of faith in the hearts of people. Because of this, man has started perceiving religion as a burden. It has lost its glow and is no more a pillar of strength and comfort.
When religion is followed because of external pressure rather than an inner calling, it will not bring any light or joy. This is why all religions, traditions and cults prevalent today have lost their lustre. The suspicion with which they are scrutinized is due to coercive methods used by them. Religion cannot reside in unwillingness.
Lord Mahāvīra did not put any pressure on Ananda to reduce his possessions. Ānanda only relinquished what was not his by curbing his greed for them. The question before us now is - how can those objects which are not in one's possession be relinquished? And if such a possibility exists, then will such an act qualify as a worthy sacrifice? Ananda's actions are quoted as an example of such a sacrifice. And more importantly, it was none other than Lord Mahāvīra himself who affirmed Ananda's vow as a mighty one and listed him among the ten main śrāvakas. This confirms that his was not a sacrifice to be brushed aside as a mere whim nor an act of ego or deceit. Therefore we must reconsider and reframe our definition and understanding of possessiveness.
Is possessiveness the object or the desire for the object? The scriptures proclaim:
A limit must be set on desires. 2
Here the limit is not on objects, but on the desire of objects. 2 icchāparimānam karei -- Upāsakadaśānga Sūtra
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